Sikkim Online Gambling Laws 2023
Sikkim is one of only a few Indian states that has legalized all forms of gambling, which is nice to hear. Interestingly, the state has different rules regarding the visitors and residents of Sikkim. While the state does allow the legal existence of land-based casinos, Sikkim residents are not allowed to gamble here legally.
Instead, Sikkim residents can legally use one of the local online casinos or, even better, join any foreign online casino platform and play any casino game they like. Here I expand more about the Sikkim gambling laws and how you can gamble from Sikkim.
Best Online Casinos in Sikkim
Is It Legal to Gamble in Sikkim?
Yes, it is legal to gamble in Sikkim, and the state has legalized and regulated the gambling industry. It allows Sikkim to improve its revenue by issuing casino licenses and taxing casino operators. But for the residents of this northern Indian state, it means that anyone can freely join an online casino and gamble without fear of breaking any laws.
Gambling Laws in Sikkim
Sikkim does not follow the federal PGA 1867, as the state has brought several laws into effect related to gambling, its regulation, and taxation:
- The Sikkim Regulation of Gambling (amendment), 2005
- The Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2008
- The Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules, 2009
- The Sikkim Casino (Control & Tax) Act, 2002
The most important one I feel I must outline from all these legal acts is The Sikkim Online Gaming Act of 2008. It allows the establishment of online casinos in Sikkim. Still, it also allows Sikkim residents to access any online casino as long as it is a licensed entity and plays any game of skill, chance, or a combination of these. I suggest any Sikkimese only join legal, licensed online casinos, like the ones I’ve reviewed and suggested here, for example, 10Cric, Jackpot City, Spin Casino, or Betway.
Sikkim residents must only play at licensed online casinos.
Legal Online Casino Games to Play in Sikkim
Per the Sikkim Online Gaming Act of 2008, anyone can join an online casino and play a game of chance or skill or combine skill and chance. So if you are from Sikkim (or are visiting), then you can freely play any casino game you choose, like:
Baccarat – known as Punto Banco. You play baccarat by placing bets on the Player’s or the Banker’s hand or bet on a tie. It is a game of chance that is very famous throughout India, and you can play online baccarat at an online casino like 22Bet.
Roulette – a game of pure chance. Roulette is an exciting and fun game to try, as it has straightforward rules and gameplay. You place your bet on a number (or a group of numbers), the dealer spins the wheel one way and spins the ball the other way, and the number the ball will fall determines the winner. Try playing online roulette at 1xBet from Sikkim.
Blackjack – playing blackjack combines skill and luck, and online blackjack is now a regular game at all online casinos. You aim to have a better hand than the dealer that is 21 or close to 21 without going over 21 (going bust). It is an exciting game as you must make appropriate decisions but still rely on luck, and you can play blackjack at 20Bet.
Andar Bahar – this predominantly Indian card game is a game of chance that you’ve probably played with your friends. In Andar Bahar, the dealer places a face-up card, and you place a bet if a matching card falls in the Andar (left) or the Bahar (right) pile. You can try playing Andar Bahar at 22Bet.
Teen Patti – a fun card game invented in India, but Teen Patti reached online casino game providers, and now many online casinos offer this game. It combines skill and chance and is very similar to poker. Play online Teen Patti at 10Cric.
Poker – a game of skill, online poker is legal in all of India, including Sikkim. This exciting card game lets you test your abilities against other players and win some real money. However, you can also try playing video poker and check and hone your skills. Play online poker at 888Casino.
Slots – online slots are the trendiest and most-played online casino games, and these come in thousands of variations and have some of the most impressive jackpots of all casino games. Online slots are also found at the best mobile casino apps, and I suggest you try playing these games of luck at Spin Casino.
Game Show Games – these are games of skill and chance and provide incredible online entertainment options and prizes. The online game show games are based on famous TV game shows, so anyone is sure to have tons of fun playing some of these. You can play exciting game show games at Jackpot City.
Live Casino Games in Sikkim
While Sikkim has land-based casinos that provide live casino games, Sikkim residents don’t have access to these, as they are only found in 5-star resorts that cater to tourists. Thus, anyone interested in playing a live casino game like live roulette, live blackjack, live poker, live Andar Bahar, live Teen Patti, and similar games can join an international online casino. I suggest you try live casino games at 10Cric and play some of the live casino games from Evolution Gaming or Ezugi.
Sports Betting in Sikkim
Sikkim has legalized sports betting, but the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2008 stipulates that any sports betting must be done via a licensed and regulated online sports betting platform. It makes it far more accessible and more convenient for any Sikkim resident to join an online platform and place a bet on any sport they want. It includes betting on horse races, tennis, kabaddi, football, cricket, and other sports. Try some of the best online sports betting platforms like 1xBet, 22Bet, or Betway.
Lottery in Sikkim
Sikkim has a state-run lottery, the Dear Labh Laxmi Lottery, for its residents that you can play by purchasing a physical ticket. Still, it is also legal for anyone to join an international online lottery agent and play any international lottery. I’m talking about joining lotto agents like theLotter, or Lotto Agent and playing international lotteries with prizes well over ₹200 Crore.
How to Find the Best Casinos in Sikkim?
If you have been following our website, you know how seriously my colleagues and I take our work as we test and review every online casino platform that accepts Indian players. We use selection criteria like active casino license, variety of casino games and sports betting options, the variety of deposit and withdrawal methods, available promotions and casino bonuses, mobile optimization and mobile casino apps, and customer support. After considering all the facts, we have narrowed our list to only include reputable online casinos in Sikkim you can join, as these provide a superior online gambling experience.
FAQs
Can I legally gamble in Sikkim?
Yes, Sikkim is one of the few Indian states where gambling is legal, and this is regulated by the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Act, 2008.
What games can I play at an online casino in Sikkim?
You can play any game you want at an online casino in Sikkim, as the Sikkim gambling law states that both games of skill and games of chance are legal in the state.
What is the best online casino in Sikkim?
I can give you a list of the best online casinos in Sikkim, as these provide an unmatched online gambling experience for their members: 22Bet, Spin Casino, 888Casino, 1xBet, Jackpot City, Betway, 10Cric, and 20Bet.
Can I place online sports bets in Sikkim?
Yes, you can place online sports bets in Sikkim if you join licensed, regulated online sports betting platforms, such as 22Bet, 1xBet, Betway, or 10Cric.
Do I risk legal action for playing at online casinos in Sikkim?
No, Sikkim legally allows access to online casinos, so there is no risk of legal action.
What are the most popular sports to bet on in Sikkim?
People from Sikkim, like the rest of India, love to bet on horse races, kabaddi, cricket, tennis, and football, and they can do this at top online sportsbooks like 20Bet, Betway, 1xBet, or 10Cric.
How can I transfer money online while gambling in Sikkim?
You can transfer money using your favorite digital payment system, as all reputable online casinos in Sikkim (and India) accept deposits in INR via PhonePe, UPI, Paytm, Google Pay, Neteller, Skrill, Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, etc.
